This blog is dedicated to the memory of our granddaughter, Evelyn Celeste Miller. Evey went missing July 1st and her body was recovered July 6th from the Cedar River near Floyd, Iowa. This venue will help celebrate the wonder that she was and also post up-to-date information on the wait for justice.
If you have any information about the crime please contact the Floyd County Sheriff's Office at 1-641-228-1821 or e-mail me directly.

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Memorial Statue for Evelyn

The memorial statue for Eveyln will be unveiled today at 3 p.m. in Floyd, Iowa. The unveiling will be attended by family members and the public.

Please attend if you can.

The following is from the Charles City Press:

Park statue celebrates Evelyn Miller’s memory

By Jennifer Meyer, Staff Writer

FLOYD — The short life of a 5-year-old murder victim has been memorialized with a statue of an angel at the Floyd Community Center.

“(The angel is) huge and she’s absolutely gorgeous,” said Pamela Hill of Mason City, who organized the memorial project. “Had it been one of my daughters, I’d be in awe.” Hill said a ceremony to unveil the memorial was being planned for as early as this weekend.

Evelyn disappeared from her rural Floyd apartment on July 1. Her body was recovered two miles from her home in the Cedar River on July 6.

“I don’t think anyone in Floyd will ever forget it,” O’Connell said. “It’s in our minds. We’re sad that it occurred.” Hill said she was moved to memorialize Evelyn after following her story in the news. “I started it the day they found little Evelyn’s body,” said the mother of three children. “I don’t know the family or anyone like that, but I felt like I wanted to do something.” O’Connell said he was contacted by Hill the next day. “I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “If anything, it will be a reminder to parents to be more careful.”

The statue’s location was specifically chosen for its significance in the 6-day search for Evelyn by more than 1,300.

“Pamela had asked that it be at the community center,” O’Connell said, adding that several sites were available. “That’s where the main station was when they launched the search,” Hill explained.

After clearing the project with Evelyn’s family, O’Connell said the site was approved by the Floyd Community Center Board.He said another volunteer complimented Hill’s fund-raising efforts by pouring the foundation for the approximately $8,000 statue.“She’s such a sincere person and she really did a good job coming up with the money,” O’Connell said.

Though Hill conceived the project, she said many people helped make it possible.

“There have been a number of people to offer really substantial donations,” she said.

“We did some fund-raising, but we’re still about $1,200 shy,” Hill said.The difference, she said, is charged to her personal credit card. The memorial remained concealed at the community center on Thursday.

To contribute to the memorial fund, contact Floyd City Hall at (641) 398-2857.